How To Protect Your Web Applications From Security Threats

The Internet is growing at an astounding pace, but that also means that security threats are, too. 

There are a ton of web applications! Instant messaging, webmail and even online retail sales are a few examples. More and more data created means more possibilities of cyber security breaches.

Nobody wants to lose sensitive data to hackers. The buying and selling of personal digital information could cost a company everything.

Protecting Against Security Threats

There are so many different ways could lead to cybersecurity threats. Hackers are always looking for a way in, and that is not going to stop anytime soon. 

Unfortunately, hackers cost more than $445 billion annually. How do you make sure you and your company aren't adding to that cost? 

There are no bulletproof solutions, but it would be easier to prevent rather than to rebuild! Here are some tips on how to protect your web applications from security threats.

To start, here's our 2017 checklist for web application security to make sure you're protected!

Up To Date Software

Updating your web applications can prevent unnecessary break-ins. 

If using third-party software on your website or system, make sure the security patches are updated daily. Small occurrences can lead to big problems. A good way of doing this is to apply to be on an application's mailing list. 

Update Your Passwords

Many web applications will force you to change your passwords. A password can be easily gained, so it is important to always keep changing them. 

Using a strong password can be beneficial. Also, changing them often can prevent your web applications from security threats!

Firewalls

A common mistake is to think firewalls are the only cybersecurity tool. While firewalls are a great security threat tool, they are not the only protection. 

For more information, here are 7 myths about web application firewalls. 

User Inputs

69% of the public use social media or websites like them. Will all the different bots, it makes hacking way easier when being careless. 

Most websites require personal data to be entered and that should be an instant alarm. User inputs are an easy way for someone to gain access to a larger database. Auto-fill on websites a lazy way for users to give access to security threats.

Users can compromise the system by being careless with what they share. Ransomware can make it's way to you through user inputs and file uploading. Be careful with attachments and even user uploads! Some can contain malware or other security threats.

Employee Awareness

Employees can make mistakes. Taking preventative steps to ensure protection is key! Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection, bots, phishing, are topics employees should know. 

Teaching employees what to avoid can be a big step in cutting the problems out before they happen.

How We Can Help

The Driz Group is a fully managed risk mitigation for your business. 

We understand that you need a service that is all-encompassing. We offer guaranteed web application security along with 24/7 DDoS protection.

We also understand that security threats can happen at any moment. That's why we offer a 24/7 Emergency Service team!

Schedule a web application firewall demo that will include:

• Managed web application firewall (WAF) overview
• Key features and capabilities
• OWASP Top-10 overview
• DDoS protection overview
• Packages and pricing options

Want more cybersecurity tips? Check out our blog to learn how you can protect your web applications!

How A Cyber Attack Can Cost Your Company Money

2016 was a record year for data breaches. 

There were 1,093 data breaches in the United States in 2016. That's a 40% increase from the year before.

And spending is up in security related software, services, and hardware. 

"But that wasn't you," you say. "I've got the best cyber security in town."

That may be true. But it doesn't mean it can't happen to you. 

Some of the largest companies in the world with deep pockets for world class security have experienced cyber attacks. 

And you don't think it could happen to you?

Today we're going to look at how a cyber attack could affect your company today.

What Kinds Of Costs Are Involved In A Cyber Attack?

After a cyber attack, there are monetary costs, of course, to a business. And this can be the main focus.

There are indirect and direct monetary costs that could occur. And some of these costs might be hidden from you at the outset.

Direct Costs

Once a data breach happens, there are legal consequences. You will need to hire a lawyer if you don't have one to mitigate the legal repercussions.

You will have to shore up the breach and hire more IT professionals to do so.

You might need other consultants and even a physical security team if the breach happened because of a physical breach of property.

You will have the direct cost of lost customers due to personal information being stolen or the cost of reimbursing customers for the cost of damage done through malware.

The cost of downtime could go up to $300k per hour or $5,600 per minute if you have a large enough clientele.

Indirect Costs

There might be some indirect costs after a cyber attack.

You might have some additional training to do with employees, which means overtime or lost productivity.

You will probably have to fire and hire security personnel depending on the situation.

And you will have to upgrade security systems, of course.

Some Costs Aren't Monetary

The trust people had in your company may be damaged. Some customers may not stay with you. 

Once that trust is broken, it will take time and lots of positive experiences to repair the damage.

Some payment companies such as credit cards may refuse to work with you if the breach affected their customers.

This will remove payment options for your customers and you may lose customers in this way as well.

You Are Not Immune, Small Business Owners

It's well known that small fish are easier to catch.

And if you think about it, being able to quickly snap up thousands of small bits of information could actually be more profitable for a criminal than spending the money and time and effort to hack a large corporation.

Plus, they are probably more likely to be caught if they attack a large company with better security.

In fact, attack 1000 small businesses and you've got the $300,000 of a large corporation breach.

That's $38,000 on average that an attacker makes in a small business data breach.

So, if you want to know more about stopping cyber attacks before they happen, reach out and talk to us. We're here to help.